Could Nina Leo Be Our Perfection?

Single in Focus by Vince Leigh

A new force has appeared in the bustling heart of Naarm’s music scene. Nina Leo, originally from Canberra, is now poised to attract new audiences with her latest single, Blind Spot. Her journey from the capital to the cultural hub of Naarm has been a testament to her passion and dedication to her craft.

Released on 1 August and celebrated with a headline performance at October 17th at Cactus Room, Nina’s work is an eloquent blend of femme rock ‘n’ roll and raw, personal storytelling. Under the guise of a name crafted from her middle name and star sign, Nina Leo brings an authenticity and intensity that is both refreshing and moving.

Blind Spot, recorded at Infidel Studios and produced by Louis Montgomery (SAFIA, Lucy Sugerman, Young Monks), is a powerful testament to Nina’s journey from hurt to empowerment. Influenced by the likes of Wolf Alice, her music is a therapeutic outlet, a conduit for transforming real-life experiences into persuasive sonic narratives.

The track opens with a muted guitar intro, setting a measured mood soon complimented by Nina’s low-register vocals. The melody rises, reaching for sweet, sustained notes, while the band’s palpable energy builds behind her, mirroring the lyrics’ focus.

As the chorus bursts forth, it brings with it the distilled vigour of early 2000s shoegaze, with lyrics beautifully intertwining with the melodic choices.

An interlude precedes the second verse, sharpening the narrative focus and posing the poignant question, ‘Could I be your perfection?’ This moment reveals Nina’s yearning for therapeutic enlightenment, cloaked in poetic nuance.

The second chorus burrows deeper under the listener’s skin, paving the way for a stirring bridge over the chorus chord progression. Here, Nina modifies the melody and takes another narrative detour, offering the poignant declaration:

If I could change,
I swear I would
But I would change for me
and not you.

As the evolved chorus merges into smouldering guitar lines and accented phrases from the band, a sense of measured hunger takes hold, reflecting the narrative pull of the track. Nina’s performance is impressive throughout, adding to the track’s enveloping power.

Blind Spot, at its core, traverses Nina Leo’s emotional landscape, marked by resilience and self-discovery. The track reflects Nina’s vulnerability and strength through its refined lyrics and direct melodies, offering listeners a glimpse into her world and solidifying her emerging presence in the local music scene.

Listen to Blind Spot on your fav streaming services here. Keep up with all things Nina Leo via her linktr.ee.